Computing counter



Sept. 3, 1940. VE. A. sLYE COMPUTING COUNTER Filed March 22, 1957 5Sheets-Sheet l 47- TOfP/v y Sept. 3, 1940.

E. A. sLYE 2,213,597

COMPUTING COUNTER Filed March 22, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 /N l/f/v To@foward/4 J/e 5f ag/ TTo/P/V Y Sept. 3, 1940. A. SLYE 2,213,597

. COMPUTING COUNTER Filed March 22, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet. 3

sept. 3, 1940. E A, SLYE 2,213,597

COMPUTING COUNTER Filed March 22 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 rrofP/vfyPatented Sept. 3, 194) UNITED STATES PATE Connecticut Apphcaticn March22, i935?, N lli My invention relates to computing counters.

It has among its objects to provide an improved computing counter of thecharacter described and claimed in my oopending application Serial 3 No.716,696, iiled March 21, 1934. A further object of my invention is toprovide such a counter having nproved resetting mechanism, and7 moreparticularly, such an improved mechanism which is operative only in suchmanner as to insure an accurate count. A still further object of myinvention is to provide such an improved resetting mechanism which is sooperative, ir*1 respective of Wide variations in the method of operationof the operating member thereof,

Whether these variations result from carelessness or abuse by theoperator, or as a result of manipulations of the resetting mechanism bythe op erator in an eiort to defraud. Still another object of myinvention is to provide such an improved resetting mechanism, which,while obtaining the advantages above set forth, is more easily operated,and yet wherein the various cooperating mechanisms are deiinitely andpositively controlled so that their operation in the desiredpredetermined manner and sequence is assured, following the initiationof the resetting operation by the rotation oi the reset operatingmember. These and other objects of my improved construction will,however, hereinafter 80 more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown for purposes of illustrationone embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, the same beingshown, to facilitate illustration, without the variator or meter drivingconnections which, it will be understood, drive the cost and quantitycounters, respectively, of such a computing counter.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the counter mechanism, viewed from theside on which the controlling mechanism is carried, with the lattermechanism shown in the normal position of the parts during counting;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of this counter mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the controlling mechanism shown in Figure1, but after the same has moved into the brake applying positionthereof, occupied before the reset operating member reaches the first ofthe ten so-called click positions of the mechanism which aresuccessively assumed during a complete resetting operation;

Fig. 4 is view similar to Figure 3 showing the position ci the parteapproaching the third click positiong Fig. 5 shows the same approachingthe fourth. click position;

Fig. c shows the same in the position occupied l; after the tenth click,but before the operator has released the reset operating member topermit it to return to the position shown in Figure i.;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on line U-ll of Figure pl@ 2; l;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on iine @-8 of Figure 9 is a sectional viewon line of Figure Fig, 10 is a sectional view on line iiilil of Figure2, showing elements of the drive and the brake mechanism, with the brakein ofi posie1 tion;

Fig. ica is a sectional view on line ille-i6@ of Figure le; 2@

Fig. il is a view similar to Figure l0 but omit`= ting the drivingconnections and showing the brake in on position;

Fig. i2 is an enlarged view of the. brake and clutch mechanisms, aportion of the same being 25 in section on line iZ-i of Figure il.;

i3 is a detail perspective View partially in section on line tlg-i5 orFigure l2;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view oi the clutch mechanism on line ift-.id ofFigure l2; 30

Fig. 15 is a somewhat diagratic view of the resetting mec msm:

Fig. 16 is a persective view of the controlling cam and associatedcontrol members, viewed from the inside of Figure i, obstructingportions of 35 the frame being omitted to facilitate illustration;

Fig. 17 is a side elevation partially in section, of one of the costmounter Fig. 18 is a'sectional view on line i8-i8 of Figure 17: 4e Fig.i9 is a sectional view on line i9|8 of Figure 17, and

Fig. 20 is a sectional view on line 2-2@ of Figure 17.

Fig. 21 is a detail view of the ratchet. 45

In this illustrative construction, the counter is of the general typedescribed and claimed in my above mentioned application, including aplurality of cost counters i comprising coaxial operatively connected byusual 50 transfer mechanism, and a plurality of like quantity, orgallon, counters 2; these several counters being disposed in a suitableframe 3, with the cost counters I driven from a driving shaft 4 adaptedto be operatively connected to a variator, le

not shown, and the quantity counters 2 driven from a shaft 5 (Fig. 10)adapted to be driven by a meter. not shown.

Here, it will be noted that the driving connections for these countersare essentially similar to those in my previously mentioned application,including bevel gears 6, 1 on the shafts 4 and 5, respectively,V drivingcooperating bevel gears 8 and 9 freelyrotatable on cost and quantitycounter driving shafts I0 and Further, it will be noted that each ofthese cooperating bevel gears 8, 9 is connected to its shaft by a ballclutch I2 comprising driving and driven elements I3, I4 and balls I5;the driving yelements I3 being in the form of external drums fixed tothe cooperating bevel gear, while the elements I4 are fixed to theshafts I0 and Here, it will also be noted that the right hand costcounter I is driven from its driving shaft I0 (Fig. 2) through a spurgear train including a spur gear I6 xed to the shaft I0, a meshingintermediate spur gear I1 rotatable on an intermediate shaft I8, and athird spur gear I9 disposed coaxially with the number wheels of costcounter I; this gear I9 herein being fixed to the lowest order numberwheel and rotatable on the axis of the axially disposed counterresetting shaft 20. Here note that the left hand cost counter I isdriven by a like train Ia, |10., |9a and that the two trains areconnected so that the lowest order wheels of the two cost counters arediagonally opposite and driven in the same direction. Note here alsothat the right and left hand quantity counters Z are similarlydiagonally driven from the lower shaft through right and left handtrains |6b, |1b, I9b and |60, |1c, and |9c, respectively. Further, allof the counters I, 2 are reset upon rotation of a reset operating shaft2| disposed between the shafts I0 and and having on each end anoperating socket 22 adapted to receive a suitable operating key (notshown) for rotating the shaft to eect resetting. Note also that spurgear resetting trains are provided, driven from a common gear 23rotatable with the shaft 2| and carried on the rear end thereof, andoperative to drive trains for resetting both sets of counterscomprising, as shown in Figure 15, a double spur gear 24, meshingintermediate gears 25, and gears 26 fixed to the reset shafts 20 andoperative to rotate the latter in a counting direction to return all ofthe counter wheels 2 to zero in a single resetting operation of theshafts 20. Here, note also that, as shown, these shafts 20 are providedwith usual grooves or notches 21 therein, adapted to cooperate withusual pawls 28 carried by each number Wheel and operative to reset thenumber wheels in a usual manner.

The several cost and quantity counters I, 2 are each of the generalconstruction and operation described in my above mentioned application,and accordingly need not be specifically described herein. It should,however, be noted that the lowest order number wheel A of each counteris fixed to and rotatable with its spur gear I9, Ilia, |9b or |9c,heretofore described, while this Wheel A is operatively connected to thenext higher order wheel B, and the wheel B is connected to the nexthigher order wheel C, by usual transfer mechanisms including transferpinions 29. Each of these mechanisms herein also includes cooperatingabutment means similar to those in my prior application for preventingovertravel of the several counter wheels, this abutment means includinga two-toothed abutment member 30 carried on a locking disc 3| on eachlower order wheel and having a cam surface 32 adapted to be engaged by apawl 33 rotatable with the next adjacent higher order wheel. Here alsoit will be understood that each number wheel A, B, C is provided with apawl 28, heretofore mentioned, which is adapted to cooperate asheretofore described with the resetting slot 21 in its reset shaft 2|).As in my prior case, a spring 34 also acts on each pawl 28 and eachtransfer mechanism includes a 20- toothed gear 35 meshing with thetransfer pinion 29 and each counter wheel B and C also carries alO-toothed ratchet 36 and cooperating pawls 31, 38 and springs 39, 40,cooperating to constitute the clutch mechanism between the 20- toothedgears and the number wheels B, C.

Further, it will be noted that, as in my previous application, each gear|6a, IBc of the driving trains which drive the left hand cost and lefthand quantity counters also carries on the inside face of the same, ablock or stop lug 4| adapted to cooperate with an oscillatable stop arm42, which is herein loosely journaled on the reset shaft 2|, in suchmanner that oppositely extending portions 43, 44, on this member 42present abutment faces 45, 46 in the path of the dierent stops 4| whenthe reset shaft 2| has completed its resetting operation in a clockwisedirection (Fig. l). Moreover, it will be noted that the drum surface oneach of the driving elements I3 of the clutches |2 is engageable bybrake members 41 having oppositely disposed fork portions engageable togrip opposite sides of the drum. These brake members also have operatingportions 48 disposed around the axis of the resetting shaft 2| andadapted to be controlled by controlling mechanism operative as thatshaft is rotated to effect resetting. Moreover, it will be noted thatboth the stop arm 42 and the brake members 41 are controlled and timedin their operation, by controlling mechanism operative during therotation of the reset shaft 2|, while spring means are also providedwhich cooperate with the control mechanism to return the parts followingresetting to the reset or initial position thereof shown in Figure 1wherein they are ready for the resumption of counting after eachresetting operation.

The several mechanisms as above described down through the stop arm 42and brake members 41 are generally similar to those in my priorapplication, save for the loose journaling of the arm 42 on the shaft2|, and for the ball clutch |2, and for the intermediate gears I1, |1a.,|1b, |1c in the driving trains for the wheels of lowest order in theseveral counters, and for like intermediate gears 25 in the resettingtrains. However, it Will be noted that herein, improved operatingmechanism and improved controlling mechanism is provided, adapted tooperate and control the brake members 41, and the stop arm 42, and toinsure the return to zero of all of the number Wheels in the severalcounters when the latter are reset.

Referring more particularly to the improved operating mechanism, it willbe noted that herein the front end of the reset shaft 2| carries, justinside the operating socket 22, a round cam 55 fixed to the shaft' 2|and having a peripheral notch 56, this cam being generally similar tothat in my prior application but having this notch normally disposedangularly to the left of its position therein. Between this cam 55 andthe frame and in spaced relation to the cam and preferably keyedtherewith to a common sleeve 51 is pivoted to a pin 92 on a brakeactuating diso xed to the` shaft 2|, is a ratchet 5 8 oi' improved 93coaxial with the shaft 2| and located subconstruction.- Herein,'thisratchet 58 has an e stantially midway between the ends thereof. largedperipheral toothV 59 presenting a radial Note also that the member 88carries a pin 94 5 abutment 80 terminatingat its inner edge in aextending transversely across the slot 89 and short length of camtr'ack8| disposed concentric through a slot 95 in the member 9| and that awith the axis o1' the shaft 2|. The opposite end coiled spring 96 isdisposed on the latter member of this cam track terminates in one of thetoothed between an adjacent curved face 91 on the memfaces of theiirst'of two ratchet teeth 62, 83, while ber 88 and an abutment 98 onthe member 9| beyond the second ratchet tooth, an abutment 04 in suchmanner that as the member 88 is moved is provided, and a c'am trackconcentric with, about this pivot in a, clockwise direction from lo butshorter than, the cam track 6|. This cam the position shown in Figure10, the spring 96 track 65, in turn, has a notch 68 therein prowill becompressed and the disc 93 rotated, the viding an abutment v|51 likewisehaving a cam parts then assuming the position shown in Figtrack 68concentric through the outer portion yure 11. Considering the disc 93,it will be noted 15 of the same with the cam tracks 6| and 65, and thatthe pivot pin 92 thereon, as shown in Figure also extending outward toform the outer periph 10 is disposed five degrees to the right ery ofthe tooth 59. Cooperating with the cal line extending through the axisof the shaft ratchet thus described, is a pawl 69, pivoted at 2| anddisc 93, whereas, when the member 9| has l0, and normally pressed intoengagement With been moved to the left, as shown in Fig. 11, the

the ratchet surface by a suitable Spring 1|. CO- pin and disc have beenrotated to the left to bring n operating with the cam 55 as the latterrotates in the center of the pin and of the disc into the a, clockwisedirection during resetting, iS a roller vertical line mentioned. Thus,it will be evident carrying pin 12, which is disposed, as shown in thatonly a very slight movement of the cam 13 3g Figure l, in the notch 56in the cam 55 in the and the associated mechanism connected thereto,

initial or normal position ofthe parts when ready is necessary to movethe disc 93 from its position 25 for resetting. This pin is carried on'aplate cam shown in Figure 10, wherein the brake members 13 pivoted onthe shaft |0 above the reset shaft 47 are released, into the positionshown in Figure l 2|- AS ShOWIi, this Cam 73 S Provided With a 1l,wherein the brake members 41 are in braking a Straight Side 74 which iSdisposed Substantially engagement with the drums on the clutch ele- 30vertically in the normal position of the parts ments |3 shown in Figure1, thev cam 13 being normally Referring more in detail to the brakeoperatretained in this upright position by a cOied Spring ing andcontrolling mechanism between the disk 15 connected between a 111g 'i60n the Upper end 93 and the brake members 41, it will be noted 85 of thecam and a point 0n the frame, herein a that the disk 93 is journaledbetween collars 99 35 shaft 11 carrying the transfer PiniOnS 29- 0n onthe shaft 2|, and that this disk is provided the t0n 0f the Cam 73, and0n the Opposite edge with a hub portion |00 and with oppositely disfrcmthe edge 14, the cam is provided with an posed keys mi, preferablyintegrin with the reextension 1B and a generally U-shaped notch mainderof the disk 93. Further, it will be noted 4o or cam 19 under thisextension and having a that associated with the disk 93 is a cooperatingo shorter lower cam face 80 which terminates 1n a collar |02 (Fig 12)having a sleeve portion |03 downwardly extending, slightly rOunded Camwhich is received on the hub portion |00 of the dwell face 8|. BelOWthis face 3|, the Cam iS disk 93 and which carries spaced flanges |04extended laterally from said face to provide anand |05 As Shown, thissleeve portion 03 is other curved cam track 82 extending downward spacedfrom the hub p and slightly inwardly and terminating in a properipheryof the hub go jection 83. A further projection 84 is also proure 12Also, it Win be n vided on the under side of the cam to the left andbelow the projection 83. Note here also that 3 'the cam provides anabutment face 85 between While the Spacing of the 'i' the Projection 34and the Pin 72 and extending an annular recess |01 adapted to receivethe below the latter in the initial position of the extremities ef theporti earn. Thus, it will be evident that as the remembers 1 settingshaft 2| is turned to the right from the suitably attached, as by apeaned connection ||0, angl-113115 disposed position Shown in Figure 3-to a reduced extension on the hub |00 of the disk ,o Operated andControlled by the Operating 93, whiie a suitable aber disk m ispreferably ,o mechanism J'USt described iS'imDrOVed brake aC- disposedbetween the faces of the arms ||2 of tuating and controlling mechanism.More parthis spring washer and the adjacent face of the ticularly,cooperating with the notch or cam ange |04. Thus, it will be evidentthat, as the track 19, and normally resting on the lower cam disk 93 ismoved in a clockwise direction from e5 face 80 thereof, is a pin 86carried on an arm the position shown in Figure 10 to the position 81,fixed for rotation withv the shaft 8. Thus, shown in Figure 11, a verysmall angular movethis shaft i8 will be rotated upon the just dement,herein 5, will result in so moving the scribed initial counterclockwisemovement of the pivot pins |08 0f the brake members 41, as to cam 13.This rotation of the shaft |8, in turn, move the latter from thereleased position shown rotates an arm 88 fixed to the shaft I8 andwhich, in Figure 10 t0 the braking POSitiOn ShOWn in 70 during counting,depends therefrom in the posi- Figure 11. Further, it Will be evidentthat. due tion shown in Figure l0. The lower end of this to the floatingconnection provided between the arm 88 is provided with a longitudinallydisposed collar |02 and the disk 93, it is possible to avoid slot 89which, in turn, receives a correspondingly binding in any position ofthe parts, irrespective g5 shaped slotted extension 90 on a member 9|which of which brake member 41 first engages its drum, 75

and also to permit an equal application of the brake members 41 to theirdrums, irrespective of Variations in the construction of either of thesemembers, or in their time of engagement with their respective drums.Here, of course, it will be understood that the space between the sleeve|03 and hub |90 is sufficient to permit free movement under allconditions, and that the keys and the keyways |06 thus insure freedomfor a vertical movement under all conditions. Here, it will also beevident that, while the Vertical movement required by the aligned keys|0| and the keyways |06 will ordinarily only occur when the parts areinitially operated, this mechanism will be operative to compel such analignment at all times, and that the spring washer |09 will act to holdthe parts in the desired relation during repeated operations of thebrake without imposing a load upon the shaft 2|.

With the driving shafts I0 and II thus braked by the members 41, whenthe controlling mechanism is moved from the position shown in Figure 1to that shown in Figure 3, it will be evident that the brake members 41will be positively applied at the very beginning of the resetting0peration. Further, as will hereinafter appear, the cam 13 is maintainedin such brake applying positions during the remainder of the resettingoperation, that, due to the engagement of the pin 86 with the dwell face8|, these brake members 41 are kept positively applied throughout theentire resetting operation and until the several counters are returnedto zero position. Moreover, while the brake members 41 are thus applied,it will be noted that the spring 96 is under compression, with the pinv94 then disposed near the left hand end of the slot 95 in the member9|. When, however, the pin 86 is permitted to move back into the notch19 and down the lower cam face 80 thereon, the brake will be releasedduring the final stages of the movement of this pin 86, and the spring96 will then return the pin 94 to the position shown in Figure 10,whereupon the spring will move the cam 13 and the pin 86 and link 88 insuch manner as positively to rotate the disk 93 and thereby positivelyrelease the brake. Attention is also directed to the fact that when thepin 86 engages the end wall of notch 19, this eifectually preventsreverse movement of the shaft 2| from the normal position thereof shownin Figure 1.

Operatively associated with the cam 55 and ratchet 5B is improvedcontrolling mechanism controlling the reverse rotation'of the resettingshaft 2|. This mechanism includes an improved non-return pawl ||3pivoted on the shaft I0 endV disposed between the cam 13 and the frame.As shown, this member has two arms ||4 and I5 depending below the pivotto produce a member of generally U form. In the position of the member||3 shown in Figure 1, it will be noted that the arm |I4 has an inneredge portion ||6 (Fig. 16) engaging with the cam track 65 on the ratchet58. However, as the ratchet 58 is rotated slightly beyond the positionshown in Figure 3, it will be noted that the portion II6 passes off ofthe cam track 65, and that the portion I |6 then moves in back of theabutment 64, due to the action of a coiled spring |I1 which is connectedbetween the arm ||5 and the frame. Thus, should the operator endeavor toreverse the shaft 2| and ratchet 5B, the engagement of this portion ||6of the non-return pawl I3 with the abutment 64, prevents such reversemovement. However, if the operator continues to move the reset shaft inthe intended clockwise direction to eect resetting, the continuedmovement of the ratchet 58 will cause the tooth 63 on the ratchet topass under the portion ||6 of the pawl ||3, and, thereby, similarlyprevent backward movement, this position being the socalled first clickposition, corresponding to a movement of of a revolution of the severalnumber wheels. Further movement of ratchet 58 in a clockwise directionwill bring the portion ||6 behind ratchet tooth 62, which is theposition known as the second click, corresponding to -1-25 of a completerevolution of the number wheels. As the ratchet is moved toward thethird click position, the peripheral tooth 59 on the ratchet moves inunder the portion ||6 as the pawl 69 moves into engagement with thetooth 66, the pawl 69 then preventing any substantial reverse movementof the shaft 2| in this third click position of the parts.

Cooperating with the non-return pawl ||3 is also a non-return pawl latchI|8 which becomes operative as the parts approach the third clickposition. This member ||8 is substantially upstanding in all itspositions and is pivoted nearer its lower end at I9 on the frame at apoint below the end of the arm ||4. Further, as shown, this latch has astruck-in lug which in the position of the parts shown in Figure 3,engages an end portion |2I on the arm |I4. When the tooth f 59 on theratchet engages the inside of the arm ||4 to raise the latter and rockthe same about the pivot I0, this projection |20 is caused to be snappedin under an upper latch face |22 on the arm I|4, by a coiled spring |23connected to the lower end of the latch ||8 below the pivot ||9 thereof.As the shaft 2| is moved from the third click position toward the fourthclick position, the latch projection |20 will drop in under a lowerlatch face |24 on the arm ||4, and almost immediately thereafter thepawl 69 will drop in back of a tooth 64 on the ratchet 58. all in suchmanner as thereby to prevent reverse movement of the shaft 2| in thisposition of the parts. In this position, note also that, as a result ofthe movement of the arm I4 by the projection 59 on the ratchet 58, theend of the arm ||5 is moved down into position to be engaged by theprojection 59 at the end of the clockwise resetting rotation of theratchet 58. Further, it will be noted that the non-return pawl ||3remains in this position, latched by the lug |20 on the latch ||8, untilthe resetting movement of the number wheels of the counters I, 2 iscompleted. As the rotation of the ratchet 58 is continued from thefourth click position, it will be evident that the shaft 2| will be heldagainst reverse rotation by the pawl 69 which successively engagesbehind the teeth 64, 6.3 and 62 in the fifth. sixth and seventh` clickpositions. While reverse movement of the ratchet 58 and shaft 2| ispermitted in the ninth and tenth click positions. Fit will be noted thatafter the tenth click position,.i. e. as the cam 13 is turned angularlyby its spring l15 when its pin 12 enters the notch 56 in the cam 55 (seeFigure 6), the latch ||8 is disengaged from the non-return pawl ||3.More particularly referring to Figure 6, note that as the pin 12 entersthe notch 56, a pin |26 on the upper extremity of the latch II8 isengaged by the projection 84 on the cam 13 in such manner as to swingthe latch ||8 back about its pivot ||9, and thereby cause its projection|20 to disengageA from the lower latch face |24, whereupon the arm I|4of the non-return pawl ||3 isrswung downward 1n such manner as to bringthe upper latch face |22 into engagement with the projection |20.'Thereafter, as the cam 13 moves further toward its and throwing it intoand out of the path of the blocks 4| on the gears |6a, |6c which, asdescribed in my above mentioned application, are rotated duringresetting as the number Wheels of counters I, 2 approach the zeroposition. This improved mechanism makes portion 44 and the axis of thearm 42. This pin extends into a slot 3| disposed longitudinally of acooperating arm or link |32 which is pivoted at 33 on a pin |34 whichextends laterpawl ||3 just inside of faces |22. |24 (see Figure 16).

of the pins |30 and |34, and that this spring acts to hold the pin |30in the inner end of the slot i 3|. Thus, when the pawl ||3 is Figures 1and 3, the stop arm 42 are so ment ends 45 and 46 blocks 4|.

are out of the path of the When, however, as a result of the movement ofengaging with the parts ||3 is released by its latch ||8, the downwardthe pin |34 will be transmitted through the link or arm |32 to the nin|30 on the stop arm 42, and,

counter resetting shafts 20, of any of the number wheels of the counters2 which may be in the nine position when resetting begins. This isdesirable, for example, to preventdragresetting,

in the nine position. To prevent this diiculty, in my previousapplication, in

of 45 under the action of its spring l5 as lits pin 'l2 enters the notch56, and while the cams 'I3 and 55, with the associated ratchet 58, arebeing returned to their initial or starting position shown in Figure l.As a result of the reverse movement of the cam with the cam '|3, the cam55 is also moved through a'n angle of 45 in a direction opposite to theresetting and, through its connection to the reset operating gear 23,the resetting trains 24, 25 and 26 are similarly operated reverselythrough an angle of 45. in such manner as to rotate the resetting shafts20 of if some are disposed in the9 position, are returned with certaintyto zero position irrespective of the springs.

Attention is further directed to the fact that my improved mechanism,while having the advantages above set forth, is also more readilyoperated to eiect resetting. This is due, in part, to the elimination ofthe two friction clutches shown in my previously mentioned application,one of which was associated with the brake and the other of which wasassociated with the stop arm. Both of these, and the consequent dragthereof imposed during the resetting-operation, are eliminated in myimproved construction. Instead, the spring washer |09, associated withthe brake mechanism shown herein, is only a locating spring and does notimpose any drag on the operation of the shaft, this washer acting onlyto locate or retain the keys IDI and keyways in the desired relation.Further, with the stop arm 42 freely rotatable on the shaft 2 l,obviously no drag is imposed on the latter.

As a result of my improved construction, it will be noted that it ismade possible to obtain, following resetting, both an accurate count anda coordinated reading on the cost and quantity counter, and to do thisirrespective of the method of operation of the reset operating member orreset shaft 2| by the operator. Thus, the mechanism is such as toproduce these results whether the operator operates the resettingmechanism gently or roughly, while, once the resetting operation isstarted, the operator has to complete the same before counting can beresumed. As regards attempted manipulation, also note that the brakingmechanisms for the separate drive trains for the cost and quantitycounters are maintained in braking position throughout the resettingoperation, in such manner that it is made impossible for an operator,through reversals of the reset operating member and shaft 2|, to releasethe braking mechanism during resetting; the latter, instead, only beingreleasable upon the completion of resetting and then automaticallyreleased as the controlling cam 13 moves from the stationary position,which it as- I sumes as resetting begins, back to its initial positionshown in Figure 1. Further, note that, similarly, ythe operator isunable to swing the stop arm 42 out of its stopping position until thecompletion of resetting, when this stop arm is like- Wise automaticallythrown out of that position as the other parts return to the positionsho-wn in Figure 1. Moreover, note that throughout the major portion ofthe resetting operation, it is made impossible for the operator torotate the resetting shaft reversely, while such reversals of -the sameas are possible during certain stages of the resetting operation, arealso rendered harmless through my improved cooperating controllingmechanism. Also note that upon the completion of resetting, theresetting shafts in the several counters are moved reversely through anangle of 45, automatically and in such manner as to insure the return tozero of all of the number wheels on the several counters irrespective ofthe different positions which the wheels may occupy at the beginning ofthe resetting operation. Thus, irrespective of various Voperations orattempted operations of the resetting mechanism, or of the positionswhich any number wheel of any of the several counters may occupy at thebeginning of resetting, and as a result, of the cooperating controllingmechanisms acting or controlling the number wheels and their countingand resetting drives, it is made possible to insure coordination of thereadings of the several cost and quantity counters in any countingoperation following resetting.

While I have in this application specifically described one embodimentwhich my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood thatthe same has been shown for purposes of illustration, and that theinvention may be modied and embodied in various other forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new andv desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In combination, a counter having driving mechanism and resettingmechanism, braking mechanism for said driving mechanism, and mechanismcontrolled by said resetting mechanism for applying and releasing saidbraking mechanism and having means for maintaining said brakingmechanism in braking position until said counter has been reset.

2. In combination, a counter having driving mechanism, esettingmechanism having a reversible operating member and means for reversingthe latter when said counter has been reset, braking mechanism for saiddriving mechanism applied by said resetting mechanism, and controllingmeans for said braking mechanism maintaining the latter in brakingposition until said operating member is reversed by said reversingmeans.

3. In combination, a counter having a. driving mechanism, resettingmechanism for said counter including resetting controlling means, andbraking mechanism for said driving mechanism locked in braking positionby said controlling means during resetting.

4. In combination, a counter having a driving mechanism, resettingmechanism for said counter including a controlling cam, and brakingmechanism for said driving mechanism held in braking position by saidcam during resetting.

5. In combination, a counter having a driving mechanism, resettingmechanism for said counter including a controlling cam, brakingmechanism for said driving mechanism, and means actuated by said cam forapplying and holding said braking mechanism in braking position duringresetting.

6. In combination, a counter having a driving mechanism, resettingmechanism for said counter including a controlling cam, brakingmechanism for said driving mechanism applied by said cam, and meanscontrolled by said cam for automatically releasing said brakingVmechanism upon completion of resetting.

'7. In combination, a counter havingdriving mechanism and resettingmechanism including a controlling cam, braking mechanism for saiddriving mechanism actuated and released by said cam, and stop mechanismfor said counter operative by said resetting mechanism and released bysaid cam.

said shaft, ating said resetting mechanism rotating said shaft in onedirection during resetting and having means for reversely rotating saidshaft following resetting through an angle greater than thirtysixdegrees.

9. In combination,ia counter, driving mechanism therefor including aclutch having driving and driven elements, a brake member operating onsaid driving element, resetting mechanism for said counter, and meansactuated upon initiation of resetting for applying said brake member,preventing the release thereof until of resetting, and thereuponreleasing said brake member.

10. In combination, a counter, driving mechanism therefor including aclutch having drivsaid brake member, pivotally mounted and said lastmentioned means including a rotatable disc on which said member ispivotally mounted and also including means pivotally connected to saiddisc for rotating the same to apply and release said brake member.

a counter, driving mechlost motion connection between said disc and saidresetting mechanism.'

12. In combination, a counter having driving mechanism, counterresetting mechanism includshaft for moving said latch member tononlatching position and thereby releasing said stop after thecompletion of the resetting of said counter.

14. In combination, a. counter, a driving train therefor', resettingmechanism including a reset shaft, means for reversing the reset shaftwhen spect to said rst stop, a latch member connected to said movablestop, a second latch member for holding said rst latch member in aposition to maintain said movable stop in operative position, a camassociated with ing said first latch member in a direction to move saidstop to operative position, and means operated by said reset shaftforreleasing the secsaid reset shaft for mov-l

